Termination for Insubordination after Name-Calling Is Excessive

08/30/2010|Canadian Labour Reporter|Last Updated: 02/05/2011

Fleeing the plant after an impromptu lunchroom debriefing session deteriorated into name-calling and threats of discipline, a packaging line equipment operator at a juice packing plant was fired for insubordination and for leaving the plant before the end of the shift without authorization.

The union grieved the termination, arguing that there were mitigating circumstances and that the penalty was too severe.

E.G. was a seven-year employee at the juice packing plant where he oversaw the automated production lines that produce tetra packed fruit juices.